Durham County Council voted to close the home earlier this year and the facility and it is the last local authority-run home in the North East.

However, Mr Robson, a retired head teacher, has said he will not be forced out and is staying at the home, alongside his daughter-in-law Michelle.

The council said Don can remain until he celebrates his 84th birthday on Wednesday but then will have to leave.

Don Robson of Newton House Stanhope who is protesting at the Care Homes Closure. Pictured with members of his family

Michelle Robson said: “Don and I have no intention of going anywhere and will continue with our occupation indefinitely, until Durham County Council reverses its decision to close Newtown House.

“We would like to thank the staff at Newtown House who have cared for Don and are continuing to support us.

“We have been advised by the care home management staff on health and safety issues, whilst we remain in the building, however we are yet to receive an official response from Durham County Council councillors or officers.

“We have received overwhelming support and messages of solidarity not only from our family, friends and local community, but also from people across the North East and even on a national scale.

“We would like to thank everyone for standing with us. Knowing we have so many people behind what we are doing is spurring us on to continue with our action.”

Don Robson of Newton House Stanhope who is protesting at the Care Homes Closure. Pictured with members of his family

A candle-lit vigil is also planned for outside Newtown House at 6.30pm on Sunday.

The authority voted to close the home as well as Cheveley House in Belmont, Feryemount in Ferryhill, Grampian House in Peterlee and Mendip House in Chester-le-Street earlier this year and said that it could not afford to keep them open.

Lesley Jeavons, Durham County Council’s head of adult care, said: “Our key concern is the welfare and wellbeing of Mr Robson. As such, we have spoken to him and his family and we have agreed that he can stay at Newtown House until Wednesday so that he celebrate his birthday at the home with his family.

“However, it will not be possible for him to remain at the home after that date as staff are currently working their notice period and will be preparing to leave within the next few days.

“We will continue to work with Mr Robson and his family to support him in his move from Newtown House.”